The Partnership Between the Psychiatrist, Psychologist and Caregiver

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

The important relationship between the psychiatrist and/or therapist and the caregiver of a child or adult with a mental illness.

This is for the carers of people with severe mental illness who provide continuing help and support, without pay, to a relative, partner or friend;

It suggests ways of improving communication and liaison that allow mutual respect and real working partnerships to develop from the point of diagnosis.

• guilty
• worried that you are losing the person you knew
• wonder if anyone else in the family will be affected
• exhausted by caring and ensuring that the person is safe
• scared about admitting there is a problem
• worried about the long-term outcome for the person

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• worried about coping and getting help
• worried about the long-term financial responsibilities of caring
• woried about people's negative attitudes towards mental illness and the stigma associated with it.

Tips for carers

In partnership with your doctor and members of the mental health team

Good communication between a doctor, members of the mental health team, a child or adult with a psychiatric condition and their carer is important, but takes time and effort. Forming a positive, long-term relationship with all the staff and doctors involved in the care of the patient is especially important if the condition is long-term.

If the person has the symptoms for the first time, it is important to see the doctor or therapist as soon as possible. If you go to your family doctor, the physician will make the initial assessment before referring the person to a specialist. If the person refuses to see a doctor, the carer or another trusted person should try to persuade them to accept professional help.

Some of the specialists you are likely to come across are: psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, occupational therapists, social workers, community psychiatric nurses and support workers.

Questions to ask the psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health professional

• What does the diagnosis mean?
• Can you explain it in a way that I will understand?
• Are there any treatments?
• Where can I get information about medication and possible side-effects?
• How long will it take for the medication to work?
• Are there other things we can do to help ourselves?
• What can we expect in the near future and over time?
• Will the person be able to continue in work or in education? Is it safe for the person to drive?
• Will the person I care for get better:
• How often should I come and see you?
• Can you give me an after-hours emergency telephone number:
• Do you have any written material on this disorder, if not who does?
• Is there anything that we can change at home to make things easier, or safer?
• Are there any organizations or community services that can help?
• Where else can I get guidance and advice?